Reclaiming History, One Brick at a Time

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Our mission is to save the past by reclaiming highest quality brick and stone from America’s historic towns and cities. To beautify the present by making these authentic antiques available to build or restore unique and distinctive residential and commercial properties. To protect the future by upholding the “green” principles of reclaim and reuse.

Reclaiming History, One Brick at a Time

Home » About Us

Our mission is to save the past by reclaiming highest quality brick and stone from America’s historic towns and cities. To beautify the present by making these authentic antiques available to build or restore unique and distinctive residential and commercial properties. To protect the future by upholding the “green” principles of reclaim and reuse.

Black-and-white photo of a cobblestone street in a city, lined with historic buildings. People and horse-drawn carriages are visible in the distance

The Story of Gavin Historical Bricks

Gavin Historical Bricks began not in a boardroom, but on a quiet Main Street in Iowa—born from one man’s curiosity and a deep respect for craftsmanship.

Before founding the company, John Gavin spent years in sales and consulting. A natural people person with a knack for persistence, he traveled across the country helping manufacturers improve their operations. But by the late 1990s, he was looking for something new—something closer to home and more tangible.

That opportunity appeared in an unlikely place. Around 1997, he read that the nearby town of Williamsburg, Iowa, was tearing up its old brick streets. Always drawn to objects with history and character, he drove there to ask what would become of the bricks. The city officials didn’t have an answer. So, John bought a truckload, intending only to pave his own driveway.

The result was striking—rich, weathered colors and textures that carried the patina of a century’s worth of footsteps and wagon wheels. Neighbors noticed. Friends asked questions. Soon, they expressed interest in those same reclaimed bricks. That curiosity sparked an idea: what if these forgotten materials could find new life in homes and landscapes across the country?

John had a sharp mind for relationships and persuasion. Thus, what began as a personal passion project quickly evolved into a new business. Soon, he was buying and reselling antique paving bricks and cobblestones—pieces of Americana that would otherwise be forgotten.

In 1999, the youngest of John’s six children, Mike, joined his father in the business part-time while he completed a law degree. Upon graduating, Mike realized how much he loved working with his father and came on board full-time. The two worked together closely until John’s death in June of 2025.

Today, under Mike’s leadership, Gavin Historical Bricks continues to thrive. What began as his father’s passion project has become a nationally recognized source for reclaimed brick, stone, and cobblestone. While the materials are timeless, the company’s approach is modern—consultative, personal, and deeply rooted in family values. Every brick sold carries not only the texture of American history but also the legacy of a father’s ingenuity, a family’s perseverance, and a son’s commitment to carry that story forward.

A quiet, empty cobblestone street lined with brick buildings, storefronts with awnings, bare trees, and outdoor café tables on the sidewalks

Who we are:

Gavin Historical Bricks is a family-run business that has grown to be one of the largest and most respected salvaged stone and reclaimed brick suppliers in the nation.

What we do:

We reclaim and supply antique brick and stone for new construction/landscapes with an Old World look as well as historic restoration projects, delivering them direct to the jobsite anywhere in the country. Our materials grace private homes, public buildings and large-scale brick street restorations across the United States.

How we work with you:

It is our goal to find the perfect material for your project. We typically start by sending you additional photos of products you find interesting, followed by actual samples. We then provide you with a quotation and arrange for the materials to be delivered directly to your contractor or jobsite.

Why customers choose us:

Our customers are architects, designers and individuals who will not compromise on the character and authenticity of their project. Antique brick and stone is our specialty and we believe the beauty and character of these products cannot be matched. No one else can provide the quality, quantity or variety to make your project special.

5 star review for Color Matching and Antique Brick Delivery
  • I have a Queen Anne Victorian mansion that we’re repairing mortar and replacing brick on. The size of the brick is very odd. John Galvin worked with me to find the brick I needed. He mailed me two sample bricks to compare to my bricks. Once we found a match he was willing to meet us on a Saturday to pick up our brick. John was the only guy within about 600 miles that was able to find my brick. Would highly recommend Galvin Historical Brick for your next unique/rare brick project.
    Alicia M
vast selection of reclaimed stone and antique bricks

Vast Selection

Choose from the largest selection of reclaimed stone & antique bricks in the nation.

Historical Bricks has been featured in many home improvement shows and magazines

Features & Awards

Our materials have been featured in some of the largest home improvement shows & magazines.

amazing brick and stone customer service

Dependable Suppliers

Proudly delivering quality materials with exceptional customer service for over 20 Years.

Historical Bricks has been featured in many home improvement shows and magazines